- Monday, January 27, 2025
In a first-of-its-kind display, more than 5,000 folk and tribal artistes showcased 45 dance forms from various parts of the country during the Republic-Day celebrations in Delhi
By: India Weekly
INDIA’S rich cultural diversity, military prowess, economic progress and the strides it has taken in sectors, such as science and technology, were on full display at the 76th Republic-Day celebrations on Kartavya Path in Delhi on Sunday (26), in the presence of Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto.
President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations as she arrived at Kartavya Path in a horse-driven buggy, a tradition that was revived last year, along with Subianto, the chief guest at the event.
Prime minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh, union ministers, the country’s top military brass, foreign diplomats, senior officials and a large crowd that had gathered on a sunny winter morning witnessed the impressive show that also included a gravity-defying fly-past by helicopters and fighter aircraft.
Subianto was the fourth Indonesian president to attend India’s Republic-Day celebrations. Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India’s first Republic-Day celebrations in 1950.
In a first-of-its-kind display, more than 5,000 folk and tribal artistes showcased 45 dance forms from various parts of the country, covering the entire Kartavya Path, to ensure that all guests had the same viewing experience.
From wooden toys to the Maha Kumbh – sixteen tableaux from across states and Union territories and 15 from central ministries, departments and organisations rolled down the ceremonial boulevard, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions of the country.
India also displayed some of the cutting-edge defence platforms, including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash, with the Army’s battle surveillance system “Sanjay” and the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) surface-to-surface tactical missile “Pralay” registering their presence in the ceremonial parade for the first time.
The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949 and it came into effect on January 26, 1950.
Earlier, Modi offered tributes to the country’s martyrs by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.
Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, was the parade commander, with Chief of Staff of the Delhi Area Major General Sumit Mehta as the second-in-command.
In a first, a tri-services tableau depicting India’s increasing focus on enhancing synergy among its armed forces rolled down the majestic Kartavya Path during the Republic-Day parade.
Finishing the ceremonial line-up was Captain Ashish Rana, who led a contingent of “The Dare Devils” from the Corps of Signals, with Captain Dimple Singh Bhati as the second-in-line. The contingent performed breathtaking stunts on motorcycles, leaving the viewers in awe. (PTI)
